Broccoli and White Bean Salad

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Photo: David Prince
Servings:
4

Broccoli stemshave tender hearts. Here,we've tossed them withwhite beans and an oil-and-lemon dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 pound)

  • Coarse salt

  • 1 can (15 ½ ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

  • ½ small red onion, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • ¾ cup (about 2 ounces) shaved Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Cut the tops off each head of broccoli, and trim into 1-inch florets; set aside. Peel each stem to remove tough outer layer. Slice peeled stems on the bias into 1/4-inch pieces; set aside.

  2. Prepare an ice bath; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt and broccoli florets. Cook over high heat until florets are tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice bath. Add stems to the boiling water; cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice bath. Let florets and stems cool completely, and drain.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, beans, onion, lemon juice and zest, oil, and red-pepper flakes. Stir to combine; season with salt and pepper. Top with cheese; serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

To get to the heart of the matter, just re-move broccoli's outer layer with a vegetable peeler, slice thestems, and steam or sautethem as you would the florets.

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